How to Grow Pigeon Pea
Cajanus cajan
Pigeon pea is a tropical legume shrub grown as an annual in temperate zones. Direct sow into warm soil (18C+) after all frost risk, spacing plants 60-90cm apart in full sun. It thrives in poor, well-drained soil and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. Plants grow tall (1-3m) and may need staking in windy sites. As a nitrogen fixer, it needs minimal feeding. Pick green pods continuously for fresh use, or leave to dry on the plant for storing as dhal. Maturity takes 120-180 days depending on variety.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed as a nitrogen-fixing legume. A light application of phosphorus-rich fertilizer at planting supports root nodule development. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes excessive vegetative growth.
- A woody tropical shrub grown as an annual in temperate climates. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and an excellent nitrogen fixer. One of the most important pulse crops in the tropics, providing both green pods and dried dhal.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–35°C
- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 75 cm |
| Row spacing | 100 cm |
| Sow depth | 3 cm |
| Mature height | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 80 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–35°C |
| Base growth temperature | 15°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Pigeon Pea?
- Plant Pigeon Pea 75cm apart with 100cm between rows.
- Is Pigeon Pea frost hardy?
- Pigeon Pea is classified as Tender.
